• Korina Sanchez-Roxas said bringing everybody along on official trips is a trademark of Duterte’s administration
• The entourage included officials for land reform when there are no land reform concerns to be tackled
• The Malacañang denied Duterte’s trip was a reward for the cabinet members due to the winnings on the midterm elections

President Rodrigo Duterte brought along around 200 people including 20 cabinet members on his official visit to Japan. This led TV host Korina Sanchez, wife of the defeated senatorial candidate Mar Roxas, to express her disappointment about the rather large entourage.

Sanchez questioned Duterte’s decision in her Pilipino Star Ngayon column. She asked if he really needed to bring along 200 government officials on his official visit to Japan.

“Kailangan bang bitbitin lahat? Hindi ba nakakahiya na karaniwang Pilipino ang ipinakita na naman kung saan bitbit ang buong barangay? Kahit ba sagot ng Nikkei ang sinumang sumama, dapat bang isama lahat?” she wrote in her column.

She pointed out past administrations also faced criticisms whenever a large number of officials tagged along on official trips.

“Sa mga nakaraang administrasyon, kapag ganito ka­rami ang sumasama sa Presidente sa kanyang mga opisyal na biyahe ay binabatikos kaagad nang husto. Kesyo walang delikadesa, gastos lang ng gobyerno,” she added.

She also said that bringing everybody along on an official trip is a trademark of Duterte’s administration, either taking advantage of the government or the government of another country.

“Pero ngayon, tila walang isyu. Kung 16 na kalihim ang kasama, sino ang mga iba? Mga kalihim nila, at ka­nilang kalihim? At ganito nga ang tatak ng administrasyon ni Duterte kapag may opisyal na biyahe kung saan man. Dala lahat. Pagsamantalahan na siguro ang biyaheng sagot ng gobyerno o ng ibang gobyerno,” Korina Sanchez said.

Philippine ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V had said that the trip was possibly a post-election reward for cabinet members. This was immediately denied by Malacañang.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByAlvHyFCcI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Pabuya sa nakaraang eleksiyon,” Laurel said. He wondered why there were 200 people, including 20 cabinet members, in the entourage. Officials involved in local government and land reform were also in the group which led Laurel to question their presence since there were no land reform concerns to be taken up with the Japanese government.

Duterte’s official trip was paid for and organized by Nikkei but there is no confirmation if they shouldered the cost of the Cabinet’s trip.

“The invitation was extended by Nikkei. They will shoulder the costs. If it’s for free, tell the neighbors. The companions also incurred costs,” Laurel said.

The Malacañang spoke up and denied Duterte’s trip was a reward for his cabinet members.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in a text message that, “Each Cabinet member who joined the trip has trade missions. They are not decorations in the summit.” He added, “They are just doing their job.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez also send a text message, saying that the President maximized his presence for several investment opportunities and it was never a pabuya or reward.

“I don’t know about that. But every time we travel with the President, we maximize his presence and have him speak to several investments fora and we conduct deal signing, business matching, and networking, roundtable meetings with (President Duterte) and investors and secretaries do join as an opportunity to dialogue with the foreign business community.

“We have never seen this as pabuya or reward when we are working day and night just to prepare for all these activities,” he added.

The president left the country at 4 p.m. and arrived at Tokyo, Haneda International Airport at 9:52 p.m. During his departure, media was off-limits and only his closed-in team was allowed in the Kalayaan Hall at Villamor Air Base.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxUbFa0AcGa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

While he is in Japan, President Duterte designated Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as the officer-in-charge.

“The Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra shall act as officer-in-charge to take care of day-to-day operations and general administration of the executive department and he shall, if necessary, act for and on behalf of the President, except on matters that the President is required by the Constitution,” Duterte said in his one-page directive.

• Korina Sanchez on the joy of motherhood: “It wasn’t instant with me”
• “I started with mixed feelings of uncertainty, worry, anxiety,” the newscaster and new mother reveals
• On February 12, at around 1PM, the couple welcomed their children — a boy and a girl — at a hospital in Pittsburgh

Last February 12, around 1 in the afternoon, Korina Sanchez and husband Mar Roxas were in a hospital in Pittsburgh and welcomed baby twins, Pepe and Pilar, into their family.

A blessed news that came as a shock to many.

“I felt weird feeling that way,” said the veteran newscaster in an interview with news site PhilStar.

“I worry about the future, about everything that could go wrong. I’m told this is normal among many expecting and new mothers. Good to know I’m not weird. It wasn’t instant with me. The joy crept up and slowly but surely took over. Now, every day is even more joyful than the day before. I’m very hopeful about the future,” she explained.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuK98NWhosV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuLYVqEBqi3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuOKFDeBNNh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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And look at the result? This is the photo shown in TVPatrol and The Star. OMG. There are several shots. I'll share them one at a time, okay? Alam niyo naman ang nanay, proud. Pagpasensyahan na ha? #MomIsKilig

A post shared by Korina Sanchez-Roxas (@korina) on Feb 23, 2019 at 4:08am PST

She has also confessed that she had always wanted to start a family with Mar but had constantly been sidetracked with the work and kind of lives they led.

“I’ve always, always wanted to be a mom. Everyone who knows me well knows that I love children. But for the longest time, because my career in news took charge, I thought it would never happen. But now that it has happened at my age, and even if we had planned and started on this project years ago, I started with mixed feelings of uncertainty, worry, anxiety,” Korina said.

The couple had tried on for several years and finally conceived last 2018 and had the procedures done abroad.

They had their embryos frozen and first went to India, but with the tedious process there they decided to consult with a facility in the US, as per the recommendation of a friend, “who also had a good experience and successful surrogacy with them.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuSdnZvhXPz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Presently, Korina is still in the US, waiting for the papers of the twins and checking whether they are strong – ably stable enough so they could fly home as a family.

• Korina Sanchez announces the arrival of twin babies
• Korina Sanchez and Mar Roxas welcome the news

Korina Sanchez on Thursday announced the arrival of her twins with husband Mar Roxas – a baby boy and a baby girl.

“I think if you believe hard enough, the miracle you most want can come true,” Sanchez gushed on the photo, where they beheld the feet of the baby boy and baby girl.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuI7nTuBaG9/?utm_source=ig_embed

“Announcing the arrival of our little boy and little girl.” She even asked fans and followers what to name their twins, “We’re thinking of names. Any suggestions? Jack and Jill? Sonny and Cher? MariKor and KoriMar? Daniel and Kathryn? 😁 Did you ever think it could still happen for me? I never stopped believing.💚”

Korina, 52, and Mar, 61, got married in October 2009. While the couple had no children of their own, Roxas has a son, Paolo Gerardo, from a previous relationship.

A week ago, Korina shared on Instagram that she will be “traveling suddenly” and her next posts showing they were already in the US.

“Aside from Target, my other favorite stores in the US is Wholefoods! You can find everything edible and healthy right here! 👍💚😍😝”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuBjLXsgNKd/

“Si husband tinotoo na sya ang magluluto. Ayan ang daming ipinalengke. O naman. May palengke naman anywhere in da world. 😆💚 #MisisNiMar”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuAVuh-A_E6/

• Mar Roxas is running in the 2019 senatorial elections
• Senatorial candidate Mar Roxas already lost two major elections but is unfazed
• Mar Roxas is “at peace” with campaigning once more for a public position

Former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II will be running for senator in the 2019 elections. According to him, his conscience won’t allow him not to run, even if he is faced with negative or critical people.

Losing two major elections, senatorial candidate Mar Roxas is unfazed as he enters the campaign for the 2019 midterm polls. In an interview on ANC’s ‘Headstart Tuesday’ he was asked, “Is traumatized a fair description?”

“I don’t think that it’s trauma. I think that carrying that burden of distilling the hopes, aspirations, the fears, the concerns of a hundred million people is a serious act. It’s not something, ah! Let’s go to the mall! It’s serious kasi papasanin mo lahat itong mga pangarap, lahat itong mga problema and kailangan may sagot  sa lahat, diba?,” he answered.

“I was honored to have done that in behalf of the people. I did not win, I accept that. I offered tinolang manok, they chose kare-kareng baka,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

Sunday slow down with Paolo, who is home for a layover. Can you guess what I told him kaya his reaction is like this?

A post shared by Mar Roxas (@marroxasphl) on Feb 10, 2019 at 1:36am PST

Roxas said he is now “at peace” with campaigning once more for a public position and added why he is running for the senatorial election, “I don’t accept na hanggang Third World na lang ang Pilipinas and that’s why I’m running. I don’t accept na hanggang kulelat na lang tayo that’s why I’m running. I really believe that mas malayo pa ang mararating ng Pilipinas.”

“Parang after 2016, after everything I’ve been through, I’m doing this for my country,” he added.

He lost the 2010 vice presidential election alongside former President Benigno Aquino III. In the 2016 presidential election, Roxas, who bannered the Liberal Party and opposition group “Otso Diretso,” placed second against President Rodrigo Duterte, who he had a ‘beef with’ during the campaign.

What are your thoughts and opinions? Put them in the comment box down below and please leave a like and share.

• Korina Sanches shared her New Year’s resolutions.
• Her goals included her business, family, friends, and herself.

Whenever New Year enters, one of the things that people like to do is to list down their New Year’s Resolutions, or things that they want to achiever and do more that year.

Host and television personality Korina Sanchez did not miss out on sharing hers in her recent Instagram posts.

He first one is about being debt-free.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BshYbpNBVMd/

Sanchez mentioned that she also wants to spend more time with her family that she wants to give tips on NOT committing the same mistakes to which she did.

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She would also want to be more healthy this 2019.

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In line with that, she stated that she promised Rosa Rosal that she would donate more blood.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BshugNah7Ew/

The Rated K host also addressed de-cluttering as one of her goals and said that she’ll continue on with her annual garage sale wherein she’ll donate the proceeds to charity.

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I have 10 New Year Resolutions in 2019: 5. Downsizing. Don't you feel guilty, bili nang bili ng damit, sapatos, bag? I'm not an addict at all. But still over the years I've accumulated so much. Every year I have a charity garage sale and proceeds go to my charities. What's it all doing unused in my closet if it could help others, right?  I wasn't able to this year. And my dressing room is busting. Will have TWO this year. Peks man.✋️ #BestLife

A post shared by Korina Sanchez-Roxas (@korina) on Jan 12, 2019 at 4:03am PST

On the topic of her business, she promised to have 100 more branches for her own hair and skin products.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsiKpxpBW3S/

Sanchez is not leaving a part of her life untouched and even said that she’ll spend more time with her pets.

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And her friends as well!

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Of course she didn’t leave out her significant other, Mar Roxas.

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Lastly, she shared her goal for herself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsiQQIqhHga/

• Mar Roxas clarified that he is open to working with the Duterte administration even though he is a part of the opposition slate.
• Roxas is taking part in the 2019 midterm elections.

Former Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said that he is open to working with the administration of President Rordrigo Duterte if it’s for the country and the good of the people.

The senatorial aspirant told the reporters in Capiz that he actually approves of some of the government’s policies and the President’s suggestions to improve programs.

“Ako I will support anything that makes sense for our country. Kung ano’ng tama, kung ano’ng makakatulong sa ating bansa, sa pananaw ko na tama ito, tutulong ako

“Pero kung hindi naman tama o hindi naman makakatulong eh magsasalita din ako.”

He then shared one of his suggestions, saying that the government should increase taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.

“In fact, ang suggestion ko, ipagpalit natin. Tanggalin natin ang buwis sa produktong petrolyo, i-palit natin ‘yong buwis sa alcohol at saka sa tobacco. Bakit? ‘Yong alcohol at tobacco, napatunayan ng mga nasa medical profession na nakakasama ito sa kalusugan ng mga tao, and of course ng isang komunidad.

“Samantala, ‘yong petrolyo, wala namang nasasaktan ‘yan, pangangailangan ‘yan ng ating ekonomiya sa ‘pag transport ng mga raw materials, at ng lahat ng produkto.”

Roxas has previously clashed with Duterte as they ran against each other in the last Presidential elections.

• Kris Aquino shared her real situation with her brother, former President Noynoy Aquino.
• She also admitted to giving money to Nicko Falcis to boost anti-administration posts by Jover Laurio.

Kris Aquino broke her silence about the accusations floating around the internet that she’s a supporter of an anti-Duterte administration blog.

READ: Gretchen Barretto supports Nicko Falcis on his battle against Kris Aquino; Queen of All Media remains “chill”

In one Instagram post of the actress, she admitted that her relationship with her brother has been “estranged” ever since the issue involving Korina Sanchez and Mar Roxas, the latter being Noynoy Aquino‘s ally since he decided to run for President.

“I never wanted you to know kasi nga hinahangaan niyo sa min- we are a united family. But the truth is since that Sunday night in April, my brother and i have been extranged. But he loves my sons enough na sila parating invited. Naiyak, bwisit,” she wrote.

She also mentioned the Falcis brothers, Nicko and Jesus, saying that she hopes they’re happy as she admitted her current status with Noynoy.

“Happy na sana ang mga Falcis- ito yung ginusto niyo. Malaman ng lahat na hindi kami okay ni noy.”

She ended the comment with an apology to her mother, former President Corazon Aquino, as she broke her promise to never fight with Ninoy.

“I am sorry mom, hindi napanindigan yung promise in makati med na come what may hindi kami magaaway.”

READ: Jover Laurio calls out DDS who plans to ruin her wedding

In a separate comment, she admitted that she did help Nicko in boosting anti-administration articles “para makabawi” but gave instructions to refrain from using the funds for posts against the Marcoses and the Dutertes.

“My instructions to Nicko were always clear- kaibigan ko si Bong Go, hindi ko kaaway and mga Duterte, never attack the Duterte family especially Kitty, wala akong issue sa Marcos children, katuwang ko si bongbong sa kasal ni tony & paul, law firm ni liza marcos ang nag handle at nagpapanalo ng annulent ko. Now with all the issues- siempre ang hinala ko baka nabulsa din yung pondo.”

Kris added that her brother never knew about the mentioned post boostings.

The #PaBoost issue began when Kris’ former financial manager, Nicko Falcis, revealed that he gave money to  well known anti-administration blogger, Jover Laurio, to promote articles that are against government officials.

Netizens shared their reactions toward the controversy.

Namamangka sa dalawang ilog. No loyalty. Mabubuhay siya kahit kahit sino ang nakaupo. Mahirap makipag-kaibigan sa ganyang tao.

— Rino P (@dagapusa) January 7, 2019

So this is what the Resibo group in Viber does. Kris Aquino is the boss; she provides the bread. Nicko Falcis allots a budget for boosting fm a credit card meant for that purpose. Jover Laurio is the operator, following instructions whom to hit. Kris created that group as Admin.

— jane abao (@kotawinters) January 7, 2019

I always knew kris aquino was a snake since she fell off that stage once upon a time but yall still call her a queen so.

— Pranzi🌻🐲 (@kinkyGD) January 7, 2019

• Korina Sanchez and Karen Davila posted a photo of them together.
• This has surprised their followers as they were rumored to have not been getting along with each other.

ABS-CBN veteran news anchors and broadcast journalists Korina Sanchez and Karen Davila broke their silence about their said ‘feud’ that has lasted for years.

The wife of former senator Mar Roxas posted a photo of hers and Davila with the caption, “I guess urban legend can indeed precede reality. Karen and I have worked in ABSCBN together for decades. And there is no issue whatsoever. 💚”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrcTbf-hzbP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control

The latter also uploaded a photo on her Instagram account, even joking about Korina’s fit body.

“Great way to end 2018! Resolution for 2019: Paano pumayat ng ganito 😜 “

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrccJgOhsRd/

The photographs pleasantly surprised and delighted the supporters and followers of the two news personalities.

Not everyone was convinced as some comments said that the two were just being pretentious toward each other.

MANILA, Philippines. Three whistleblowers who claim to have witnessed massive vote-shaving operations in Quezon province have said that about 300,000 votes were allegedly added to Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo’s, while 200,000 votes were “robbed” from Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.

The purported witnesses, accompanied by Pastor Boy Saycon, secretary-general of  the Council on Philippine Affairs (COPA), were presented at a press conference at the Senate on Monday, May 30, the day of proclamation ceremonies.

Moreover, Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas reportedly received 400,000 votes more while Senate President Franklin Drilon garnered an unspecified number of votes. Meanwhile, 200,000 votes were allegedly shaved from the ones received by president-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

The witnesses, whose heads and faces were covered during the press conference, said that vote manipulation was carried out in a privately owned building in Quezon province.

However, the witnesses failed to provide any evidence of their claims.

On Tuesday, May 31, a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) official urged the whistleblowers to prove their claim and file an election protest. Commissioner Luie Guia said that the procedure the supposed witnesses presented was different from the one used in the Automated Election System (AES).

“Hindi po namin alam kung paano mangyayari yan pero mas maganda siguro kung magfile sila ng tamang complaint o kaya i-specify nila akung paano nangyari at saan nangyari para maaksyunan ng Comelec or kung sino man yung proper body na puwedeng tumugon sa ganitong complaint,” Guia said.

( We don’t know how it could possibly happen like that but it would be better if they file a formal complaint and specify what really happened and where it happened so Comelec or any agency can respond to the complaint.)

Manuel “Mar” Araneta Roxas II packs quite the political pedigree. He is the son of Senator Gerry Roxas and the grandson of President Manuel Roxas, the first president of the third Philippine Republic. Mar’s late brother Dinggoy, a congressman from Capiz, was actually the one following in their father’s and grandfather’s political footsteps. Fate, however, seemed to have other plans. Dinggoy’s death in 1993 prompted Mar to run in a special election to replace his brother. He won and became a congressman. This year, he is now seeking the presidency, here are ten reasons to vote for Mar Roxas:

1) He is a product of prestigious schools both here and abroad. He graduated from the Ateneo de Manila in 1974 and then majored in Finance at the Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1979.

2) He is an economist. With the country enjoying a 6.3% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth in the last quarter of 2015, perhaps an economist at the helm is needed to maintain this growth. The World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland in 1996, recognized Roxas for being “one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow who is expected to shape the future.” Before being elected as Congressman, Roxas worked as an investment banker in New York. He specialized in infusing venture capital into small and medium enterprises. At the firm Allen & Company, he worked his way to eventually become an assistant vice president.

3) Roxas served three consecutive terms as Congressman from 1993 to 2000. He even became Majority Leader. His most notable contribution is RA 7880, called the Roxas Law, which ensures equal distribution of education capital among all provinces. This law aims to eliminate regional bias and patronage politics.

4) He also authored or co-authored the following bills: RA 8759, which established in all municipalities a Public Employment Service Office, where information on job opportunities within the region are posted and which facilitated employment; RA 8748, an amendment to the Special Economic Zone Act, which allocated to the municipality or city 2% out of the 5% tax collected from the establishment of ecozones; RA 8756, which spelled out incentives for establishing regional headquarters that encouraged investment and the operation of multinational companies, which in turn generates job opportunities.